The notice of violation, issued this week, follows a cease-and-desist letter sent in August. City officials found that more than 300 vacation rentals were being advertised at the building, although its certificate permits 30 short-term rental units. Short-term stays were still available to book online for November dates as of this week.

The city’s notice was addressed to Brickell Bay Plaza Inc., which holds the building’s certificate of use. Developer Jerome Hollo is the company’s registered agent. If the violation continues, penalties could reach $5,000 per day.

Some residents say the transient guests have affected everyday life in the building. Condo owner Christina Lardon described crowded lobbies, travelers with luggage and elevators operating at capacity, calling the property an “illegal, unpermitted hotel.” She also questioned whether individual owners could be responsible for fines tied to the alleged violations.

Hollo said Florida East Coast Realty and Brickell Bay Plaza Inc. do not control or occupy the residential units, and that the condominium association is responsible for them. He said his companies control only commercial leasing on the first floor. Hollo also said the city had accidentally cited the developer’s 1201 Brickell office building for unpermitted lodging and that the matter would be resolved.

An attorney for the condominium association said the city’s notice was not directed at the association.

City Commissioner Damian Pardo said he plans to pursue additional enforcement, including a proposed ordinance requiring short-term rental registration citywide and the creation of a dedicated task force. “We will do everything we can under the law to stop this,” Pardo said.

The dispute leaves residents facing uncertainty over who is responsible for addressing the alleged overuse and any resulting penalties, as the city’s compliance deadline approaches.